Sun Nov 17 03:11:54 UTC 2024: ## Xi Extends Olive Branch to Trump Amidst Final Biden Meeting

**Lima, Peru** – Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his final meeting with US President Joe Biden on Saturday at the APEC summit, delivering a message seemingly aimed at both the outgoing president and his Republican successor, Donald Trump. While not mentioning Trump by name, Xi emphasized the need for “mutual respect” in US-China relations, acknowledging the recent US election and stressing the importance of a stable relationship.

Xi warned against viewing each other as rivals, advocating for cooperation instead of harmful competition. This message appeared to be a direct overture to Trump, who oversaw a period of heightened tensions, including a trade war, during his previous term. Xi expressed China’s readiness to work with the new US administration to manage differences and ensure a smooth transition in bilateral relations.

Trump, who won re-election and will be returning to the White House, has made China a central focus of his campaign, reiterating his “America First” policy and vowing to protect US manufacturing. Despite a history of strained relations, including Trump’s blaming of Xi for the COVID-19 pandemic and his imposition of heavy tariffs, Xi congratulated Trump on his re-election victory. Trump, in turn, has expressed admiration for Xi, highlighting their past cordial relationship.

Biden, in his final meeting with Xi, described their conversations as candid and frank, emphasizing the importance of open communication to prevent miscalculations and avoid conflict. He also used the opportunity to advance several US priorities, including increased law enforcement cooperation to combat the flow of synthetic drugs and responsible development of artificial intelligence, particularly in the military sphere. Biden reaffirmed the US’s “one China policy” while calling for an end to destabilizing Chinese military activity around Taiwan, urging the maintenance of the status quo and peaceful resolution of cross-Strait differences.

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